CAUSTIC WAVES – Melodic alternative rock / metal / post-hardcore with a pinch of late-90s nostalgia

Following the release of the debut 6-track EP FULL CIRCLE in 2023, the second chapter of CAUSTIC WAVES is finally being unveiled in 2025.
Launched in 2022, CAUSTIC WAVES is the musical outlet for Glasgow-based one-man-band, Neil Thomas. With previous experience as guitarist in alt-metal band KEITEL in the mid-2000s and bassist in the harmony-driven power-pop band THE CHINASKIS in the 2010s, CAUSTIC WAVES now also establishes Neil as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. Embracing his love of 90s/00s alternative rock/metal, post-hardcore and grunge, Neil takes influences from bands of that era such as Incubus, Far, Deftones and Helmet.
The return of CAUSTIC WAVES kicked off in June 2025 with QUICKSAND, the lead single from the upcoming new album, ECHOES. Following the subsequent singles PLAYING WITH FIRE and COMPROMISED, the single release campaign concluded with the final single, ESCAPE YOUR FATE.
ECHOES
10TH OCTOBER 2025
“I remember once, someone told me that life is an echo…”
Following a series of single releases, the new album ECHOES will be released on 10TH OCTOBER 2025.
The core sound of ECHOES is a continuation of the familiar alt-rock / post-hardcore sound established on the debut EP, FULL CIRCLE. However, on the 11-track full length album, Neil pushed his songwriting further and expanded the scope of his musical palette far beyond that of the debut EP. From the Tool-infused polyrhythms of SPOTLIGHTS to the acoustic-tinged, harmony-driven SHADOW OF THE SON, via the anthemic pop-metal of PLAYING WITH FIRE, the album refuses to stick to one pigeonhole.
The lyrics throughout ECHOES explore a number of different themes inspired by a variety of sources, all filtered through Neil’s own experiences. Lead single QUICKSAND evokes feelings of being stuck in a rut, whereas COMPROMISED references the Milgram experiment and AI-fuelled paranoia. The vocals are often the focal point of the songs, with an emotional vocal delivery underpinned by layers of harmonies.
The album was produced and mixed by Neil at his home studio in Glasgow, Scotland. After mixing, it was given an extra layer of mastering beef by acclaimed producer Lewis Johns, known for his work with earthtone9, Employed To Serve, Blanket, Oversize and many more exciting UK bands.


ECHOES:
- Echoes [3:05]
- Artificial Lies [4:17]
- Escape Your Fate [3:23]
- Quicksand [3:44]
- Spotlights [5:40]
- Playing With Fire [3:01]
- Insignificance [4:31]
- Blessing In Disguise [3:57]
- Compromised [4:11]
- Shadow Of The Son [4:30]
- Neon Claws [4:38]
Written and performed by Neil Thomas
Produced and mixed by Neil Thomas
Mastered by Lewis Johns
Artwork by Sandy Wilson (Steel Sky Illustration)
AUDIO
VIDEOs
REVIEWS
Setting the bar for the new album high with this punchy alternative retro-tinged rock banger, Caustic Waves amaze. Not just because it’s staggering that this is all the work of one person, but the fact that it perfectly blends styles and genres, sounding hugely nostalgic in places, but still fresh and exciting in others. It’s an energetic listen with a kickass chorus.
– GBHBL.com (Quicksand single Review)
“The combination of riffs, vocals, lyrics, and rhythm creates a storm of energy that resonates throughout the entire track. The guitar tones and riffs are unmistakably hook-oriented, offering a subtle nod to the great metalcore projects of the early 2000s while also incorporating high-energy alternative influences from the 90s. Caustic Waves delivers another standout single that connects seamlessly with their previous work.”
– Mixed Alternative Magazine (Playing With Fire single Review)
Neil’s talent for capturing the essential elements of late 90s alternative rock is undeniable. From the driving drums to the thick, crunchy guitar riffs, Quicksand delivers a nostalgic vibe, complete with a chorus-driven melody and Neil’s vocal style reminiscent of Brandon Boyd and Doug Robb, making it a thoroughly enjoyable listen.
– Right Chord Music (Quicksand single Review)
“This is a nice little collection of songs, well written and performed, but one thing struck me very early on and that’s the quality of the production... The vocals are just spot on, the drums sound great and the whole package is stupidly well done.”
– The Moshville Times (Full Circle EP Review)
“Full Circle is an enjoyable blend of alt-rock, post-hardcore and a light-grunge edge... The confident sound of Invisible Enemy really stands out. The hot tempo, melodic vocal style, and harmonised chorus makes this particular track a notable banger… Evolution is a glorious anthem that makes you want to move as though it’s 1999 again.“
– GBHBL.com (Full Circle EP Review)
PHOTO GALLERY
All photos by: Jonny Inglis
CONTACT

Caustic Waves (Neil Thomas) is an independent, self-managed artist.
Email: neil@causticwaves.com
Instagram: @causticwaves
ASSETS
LINKS / SOCIAL MEDIA
Linktree: https://linktr.ee/causticwaves
Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/artist/5YFSnuEccV4gdfzlxKkdu9
Bandcamp – https://causticwaves.bandcamp.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/causticwaves
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@causticwaves
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/causticwaves
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@causticwaves

















